Deeply unpopular Sri Lanka PM named country's new president
Sri Lankans have taken to the street for months to demand their president and his prime minister step down as the country spiraled into economic chaos that left its 22 million people struggling with shortages of essentials, including medicine, fuel and food. After they stormed the presidential palace and several other government buildings last week, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled and then resigned.
Wednesday's vote means Wickremesinghe will finish the presidential term ending in 2024 and now has the discretion to appoint a new prime minister. “We are very sad, very disappointed with the 225 parliament members who we elected to speak for us, which they have not done,” said Visaka Jayawware, a performance artist, in the crowd. “We will keep fighting for the people of Sri Lanka. We have to ask for a general election.”
“The struggle will continue until our demands are met. He doesn't have a mandate to rule the country,” said Nemel Jayaweera, a human resources professional. “We will continue our struggle. We will oppose him.” Only a few lawmakers had publicly said they would vote for Wickremesinghe given the widespread hostility against him. But before the vote, dozens of lawmakers loyal to Rajapaksa were expected to back Wickremesinghe because he had assured them he would severely punish protesters who burned politicians' homes in the unrest.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lanka lawmakers to pick new president among PM, 2 rivalsSri Lanka's prime minister and acting president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, will face two rivals in a parliamentary vote Wednesday on who will succeed the ousted leader who fled the country last week amid huge protests triggered by its economic collapse.
Read more »
Sri Lanka says IMF bailout talks near end after declaring state of emergency | CBC NewsSri Lanka's acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Monday that the country had almost concluded negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on a bailout package, a day after he declared a state of emergency in the island nation.
Read more »
Sri Lanka's acting president declares emergency amid protestsSri Lanka's acting president on Monday declared a state of emergency giving him broad authority amid growing protests demanding his resignation two days before the country's lawmakers are set to elect a new president.
Read more »
Sri Lanka's political turmoil sows worries for recovery
Read more »
Sri Lankan prime minister, 2 rivals in presidential raceSri Lanka's prime minister and acting president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, will face two rivals in a parliamentary vote Wednesday on who will succeed the ousted leader who fled the country last week amid huge protests triggered by its economic collapse.
Read more »